By

Melanie Davis

December 19, 2024 9:39 am

Music makes the perfect backdrop for holiday gatherings, but if you’re not religious enough for sacred music and don’t have enough kids to justify Santa songs, it can be difficult to find music that feels festive but not cheesy—which is where Christmas instrumental albums come in.

Instrumental holiday music gives you the same melodies you know and hum along to every November and December without the distraction of lyrics that may or may not be questionable (looking at you, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”).

Here are some of the best Christmas instrumental albums to add to your holiday playlists.

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ by Vince Guaraldi Trio

When it comes to Christmas instrumental albums, it’s hard to beat the classic sound of the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas, the animated TV special from 1965 about Charlie Brown lamenting the commercialization of Christmas before finding the true meaning of the holiday. It’s nostalgic, sweet, and surprisingly funny for being a kids’ show from the mid-1960s.

More importantly, however, the music is an incredible mix of jazzy, light, and festive. A bonus perk of this album is that the more spiked eggnog you drink, the likelier it is that you and your loved ones will start dancing like the Peanuts characters, shoulder shrugs, bouncy skips, and all.

‘The Nutcracker Suite’ by Duke Ellington Orchestra

Duke Ellington and his orchestra delivered their interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet The Nutcracker in this 1960 instrumental jazz album, offering a perfect Christmas soundtrack that honors the original Russian melodies while giving them a distinctly American jazz twist. Tchaikovsky’s melodies have become a distinct part of the Christmas tradition, including “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”

Ellington and his 10-piece orchestra reenvision these tunes as “Sugar Rum Cherry” and “Danse of the Floreadores,” respectively. Despite the fact that the ballet is over a century old and Ellington’s album has decades under its own belt, this Christmas instrumental album feels fresh and fun.

‘The Ventures’ Christmas Album’ by The Ventures

Even if you didn’t know you were listening to The Ventures at the time, you’ve likely listened to them before. The instrumental rock band from the late 1950s and early ‘60s have a lengthy list of popular tunes in their catalog, including “Walk Don’t Run” and “Tequila.” Their part-surf, part-Latin grooves are a testament to the power and versatility of Fender guitars, from Strats to Jazzmasters.

The Ventures’ Christmas Album offers all the holiday songs you know and love—think “Sleigh Ride,” “Silver Bells,” and “Jingle Bell Rock,” among others—in a fun, old-school rock ‘n’ roll style. It’s an ideal in-between for someone who wants a Christmas instrumental album with a little more oomph.

‘The Lost Christmas Eve’ by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Finally, if you’re looking for a Christmas instrumental album with the most oomph, look no further than the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This festive heavy metal band has been reimagining Christmas songs like you’ve never heard them before since the mid-1990s, becoming a fan favorite among holiday-loving rockers everywhere. Ever wanted to see a violinist headbanging while playing “Carol of the Bells?” Trans-Siberian Orchestra makes that happen.

While TSO’s The Lost Christmas Eve isn’t necessarily the chillest of all instrumental offerings, it’s certainly an exciting twist on old favorites. Air guitar (or violin) optional, although we’d strongly suggest you take that option during your next holiday gathering.